Trump Delays Planned Iran Strike as Gulf Nations Push for Diplomatic Deal
US President Donald Trump has announced that a planned American military strike on Iran scheduled for Tuesday has been temporarily suspended following appeals from Gulf nations, as diplomatic talks continue between Washington and Tehran.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump said leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged the US administration to delay further military action, citing ongoing negotiations that could lead to a possible agreement.
Trump claimed he had been assured that a deal acceptable to the United States was within reach and reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. However, he warned that the US military remained prepared to launch a large-scale operation against Iran if diplomatic efforts collapse.
Iran responded cautiously to Trumpâs remarks. A senior Iranian military official warned Washington against what he described as âstrategic miscalculations,â signaling that Tehran remains ready to retaliate if attacked again.
The latest developments come as public opinion in the United States appears increasingly critical of the conflict. Recent polling published by The New York Times and Siena College showed a majority of voters opposing military action against Iran, while approval ratings for Trumpâs presidency have also declined. Analysts say the growing dissatisfaction could create additional pressure for Republicans ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
The conflict intensified after Israeli and US forces launched major air strikes on Iran in late February. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions and American-linked sites across the Gulf region.
Gulf countries are reportedly concerned about the possibility of further escalation, particularly because Iran still possesses significant missile and drone capabilities. Regional leaders fear attacks on airports, oil infrastructure, and desalination facilities that supply drinking water across the Gulf.
Speaking to reporters later, Trump described the negotiations as âa very positive development,â though he cautioned that previous talks had also come close to producing agreements before ultimately failing. He added that he preferred a diplomatic outcome over further military escalation.
A ceasefire established in April to support negotiations has mostly held despite sporadic clashes. Meanwhile, Iran continues to maintain control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a route through which a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass.
The ongoing tensions and restrictions in the waterway have contributed to rising global oil prices. At the same time, the US has maintained pressure on Tehran through naval restrictions and economic measures targeting Iranian ports.
Iranian state-linked media also circulated remarks attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warning that any renewed aggression could open new fronts against US and allied interests.
Diplomatic contacts between Iran and the US are reportedly continuing through Pakistani mediators. Iranian officials have indicated that negotiations remain active, although Tehran insists that Washington has yet to offer meaningful concessions.
Among Iranâs reported demands are a complete halt to military operations, guarantees against future attacks, removal of naval restrictions, compensation for damages caused during the conflict, and recognition of Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, US proposals reportedly include limiting Iranâs nuclear facilities and transferring highly enriched uranium stockpiles out of the country. Trump has recently signaled openness to allowing Iran to suspend its nuclear program for a limited period instead of permanently dismantling it.
Western nations continue to accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities through uranium enrichment, while Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for civilian and peaceful purposes.